Data distribution terminal, menu server, and distribution reservation system using them

ABSTRACT

A data delivery terminal ( 12 ) is connected to a delivery server ( 18 ) via a radio base station ( 14 ) and a cellular phone network ( 16 ). A user can input reservation information of content data (music data) by operating an operation panel on the data delivery terminal ( 12 ). For example, the reservation information includes a date and time of download and a title name of music data, connection information (DAP-TEL) to an access point (DAP) for a download server ( 20 ) and etc. When such the reservation information is input, the data delivery terminal ( 12 ) dials the access point in accordance with the date and time included in the reservation information. When a connection state is established, desired music data is transmitted from the download server ( 20 ) such that the music data is downloaded to a memory card attached to the data delivery terminal ( 12 ).

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a data delivery terminal, a menu serverand a delivery reservation system utilizing them. More specifically, thepresent invention relates to a data delivery terminal, a menu server anda delivery reservation system utilizing them capable of downloadingcontent data such as music data, image data and etc. via a cellularphone network.

PRIOR ART

Conventionally, a data delivery terminal of such a kind is a computersuch as a personal computer (PC) which is connected to the Internet viaa telephone line so as to access a predetermined homepage and downloadcontent data such as music data, image data and etc.

However, in the prior art, each time desired content data is downloaded,there is a need to access a predetermined home page and therefore, theoperation is troublesome. Furthermore, as to the music data and theimage data, a sale date of a new work is determined, and in a case offorgetting the sale date, there is a possibility that it is late todownload them.

In addition, in a case of downloading such the music data utilizing acellular phone, there is a problem that it is impossible to carry on aconversation in the middle of the download. For example, as to the musicdata compressed by an MPEG3 format, it takes about 4 minutes fordownloading a piece of music by a PHS having a datatransmitting/receiving rate of 128 Kbps while it takes about 8 minutesby a PHS having a data transmitting/receiving rate of 64 Kbps.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide adata delivery terminal, a menu server and a data reservation systemutilizing them capable of surely downloading content data with a simpleoperation.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a data deliveryterminal, a menu server and a data reservation system utilizing themcapable of avoiding a non-telephonic condition.

The present invention is a data delivery terminal for downloadingcontent data via a cellular phone network, comprising: a first inputmeans for inputting reservation information including at least dataidentifying information of the content data; a second input means forinputting schedule information including a date and time of download incorrespondence to the reservation information; a first storing means forstoring the reservation information and the schedule information; anestablishing means for automatically establishing connection with adelivery source which delivers the content data according to theschedule information and the reservation information; a download meansfor automatically downloading the content data when the connection isestablished by the establishing means; and a second storing means forstoring downloaded content data.

The data delivery terminal of the present invention is connected to adownload server, for example, via the cellular phone network anddownloads desired content data from the download server. The first inputmeans inputs the reservation information including the data identifyinginformation indicative at least the desired content data, and the secondinput means inputs schedule information specifying the date and time tobe downloaded in correspondence to the reservation information. Thereservation information and the schedule information are stored in thefirst storing means. According to the reservation information and theschedule information stored in the first storing means, the establishingmeans automatically establishes a connection with the delivery sourcedelivering the content data i.e., the download server. When theconnection between the data delivery terminal and the download server isestablished, the download means automatically downloads the content dataaccording to the data identifying information. The downloaded contentdata is stored in the second storing means. Thus, only by inputting theschedule information according to the reservation information, it ispossible to download the desired content data at the reserved date andtime.

According to the present invention, since only by inputting thereservation information of the content data in advance it is possible todownload the content data at the reserved date and time, an operation issimple, and the download can be performed surely.

In another aspect of the present invention, a determining meansdetermines whether the data delivery terminal is in a situation possibleto download or a situation impossible to download at a time that thedownload is to be performed. More specifically, a radio wave conditionbetween the data delivery terminal and a radio base station, a remainingamount of a battery of the data delivery terminal, a vacant capacity ofthe first storing means and etc. are examined.

In one embodiment of the present invention, in a case it is determinedthat it is impossible to perform the download, a renewal means renewsthe date and time to be downloaded. It is possible to exchange or chargethe battery and reserve a vacant area by the renewed day.

In another embodiment of the present invention, in a case it isdetermined that it is impossible to perform the download, a warningmeans warns such a not-downloadable situation. That is, a warning soundis output or a warning message such as “LACK OF REMAINING AMOUNT OFBATTERY. EXCHANGE BATTERY” is displayed on a display screen. In responsethereto, a user can make the data delivery terminal in a downloadablecondition properly.

In another aspect of the present invention, since the reservationinformation further includes a downloadable term of the content data,the second input means may input a date and time to download the contentdata within the downloadable term.

In the other aspect of the present invention, the content data is musicdata and image data protected under copyright.

In one embodiment of the present invention, since the data deliveryterminal is provided with a telephonic speech means, the user of thedata delivery terminal carries on a conversation with the user ofanother communication device such as a cellular phone and etc. via acellular phone network. Accordingly, if a date and time to be downloadedis specified within an office hour or bedtime hour, it is possible toavoid a situation that a telephonic speech cannot be performed.

In another embodiment of the present invention, since a first decryptionmeans decrypts encrypted content data into plain text information, in acase of providing a reproduction circuit and etc., it is possible toreproduce music data by the data delivery terminal. In a case of imagedata, it is possible to display it on a display device such as a liquidcrystal display and etc. provided on the data delivery terminal.

In the other aspect of the present invention, a second storing means isa memory card attached to or detached from the data delivery terminal.The memory card is provided with a first memory storing the encryptedcontent data and a second memory storing a content decryption key. Asecond decryption means decrypts data being subject to an encryption atanother place so as to write it in the second memory. That is, decrypteddata is written to the second memory. An encryption means encrypts thedata read out from the second memory. That is, it is possible to solve aproblem of security for protecting the content data protected undercopyright.

Another invention is a data delivery terminal for downloading contentdata via a cellular phone network and storing the content data in anattachable/detachable storing device, comprising: an interface fortransmitting and receiving at least the content data to and from thestoring device when the storing device is attached; a first input meansfor inputting reservation information including data identifyinginformation of at least the content data; a second input means forinputting schedule information including a date and time of download incorrespondence to the reservation information; a storing means forstoring the reservation information and the schedule information; anestablishing means for automatically establishing connection with adelivery source which delivers the content data according to theschedule information and the reservation information; a download meansfor automatically downloading the content data when the connection isestablished by the establishing means; and a storage control means forstoring downloaded content data in the storing means via the interface.

A data delivery terminal of another invention is connected with thedownload server, for example, via the cellular phone network anddownloads desired content data from the download server so as to bestored in the storing device attachable to or detachable from the datadelivery terminal. The data delivery terminal is provided with theinterface, and the interface transmits and receives data such as atleast content data and with the storing device when the storing deviceis attached to the data delivery terminal. Furthermore, in the datadelivery terminal, the first input means inputs the data identifyinginformation indicative of at least the content data, and the secondinput means inputs the schedule information for specifying the date andtime of download in correspondence to the reservation information. Thereservation information and the schedule information are stored in thestoring means. According to the reservation information and the scheduleinformation stored in the storing means, the establishing meansautomatically establishes the connection to the delivery source fordelivering the content data i.e., the download server. When theconnection between the data delivery terminal and the download server isestablished, the download means automatically downloads the content dataaccording to the data identifying information. The downloaded contentdata is stored in the storing device attached to the data deliveryterminal by the storage control means. Thus, only by inputting theschedule information according to the reservation information, it ispossible to download desired content data on the reserved date and time.

According to the present invention, only by inputting the reservationinformation of the content data in advance, it is possible to downloadthe desired content data on the reserved date and time, and therefore,it is possible to surely download it with a simple operation.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a determinationmeans determines whether the data delivery terminal is in a situationpossible to download or a situation impossible to download at a timethat the download is to be performed. Specifically, a radio wavecondition between the data delivery terminal and the radio base station,a remaining amount of the battery of the data delivery terminal, avacant capacity of the first storing means and etc. are examined.

In one embodiment of the present invention, in a case it is determinedthat it is impossible to perform the download, a renewal means renewsthe date and time to be downloaded. It is possible to exchange or chargethe battery and reserve a vacant area by the renewed date. Thus, it ispossible to surely perform the download.

In another embodiment of the present invention, in a case it isdetermined that it is impossible to perform the download, a warningmeans warns such a not-downloadable situation. That is, a warning soundis output or a warning message such as “LACK OF REMAINING AMOUNT OFBATTERY EXCHANGE BATTERY” is displayed. In response, the user rendersthe data delivery terminal in a downloadable condition properly.

In another aspect of the present invention, since the reservationinformation further includes a downloadable term of the content data,the second input means may input a date and time for downloading thecontent data within the downloadable term.

Another invention is a menu server for transmitting reservationinformation for downloading content data to a data delivery terminalconnected via a cellular phone network, comprising: a first holdingmeans for holding a plurality of data identifying informationcorresponding to a plurality of content data; a receiving means forreceiving at least input information input by the data deliveryterminal; an identifying information selecting means for selecting onedata identifying information according to the input information receivedby the receiving means; a reservation information creating means forcreating the reservation information including the one data identifyinginformation selected by the identifying information selecting means; anda transmitting means for transmitting the reservation informationcreated by the reservation information creating means to the datadelivery terminal.

The menu server transmits the reservation information for downloadingthe content data to the delivery terminal connected via the cellularphone network. For example, in the menu server, the first holding meansholds the plurality of data identifying information such as IDs incorrespondence to the plurality of content data. In the menu server, thereceiving means receives the input information input at the datadelivery terminal, and the identifying information selecting meansselects one data identifying information according to the inputinformation. Specifically, the input information includes information toindicate (specify) at leas the content data. When the one dataidentifying information is selected, the reservation informationincluding the data identifying information is created. Then, the createdreservation information is transmitted to the data delivery terminal bythe transmitting means. For example, the data delivery terminal candownload desired content data at the reserved date and time only byinputting the schedule information according to the reservationinformation.

According to the present invention, since the data delivery terminal canobtain the reservation information only by accessing the menu server andinputting the input information, there is no need to obtain thereservation information from magazines and etc. so as to be input, andtherefore, it is possible to download the content data with ease.

In one aspect of the present invention, since a second holding meansholds connection information to the delivery source of the content data,e.g., the download server, the identifying information selecting meansselects one data identifying information from the input information andalso selects the connection information to the download server capableof downloading the content data indicated by the data identifyinginformation. Accordingly, the reservation information creating meanscreates the reservation information including the data identifyinginformation and the connection information selected by the identifyinginformation selecting means. In the data delivery terminal, it ispossible to be connected to the download server according to theconnection information at the reserved date and time, and thus todownload the content data.

In another aspect of the present invention, a term information creatingmeans creates term information indicative of the downloadable term ofthe content data, and the reservation information including the terminformation is created. Accordingly, in the data delivery terminal, itis determined whether or not the schedule information is set within thedownloadable term (date and time) indicated by the term information.

A delivery reservation system according to another invention comprises:a data delivery terminal for downloading content data via a cellularphone network; and a menu server to be connected to the data deliveryterminal via the cellular phone network; the menu server includes afirst holding means for holding a plurality of data identifyinginformation each corresponding to each of a plurality of content data; areceiving means for receiving an instruction from the data deliveryterminal; an identifying information selecting means for selecting onedata identifying information according to the instruction from the datadelivery terminal; a reservation information creating means for creatingreservation information from the one data identifying informationselected by the identifying information selecting means; and atransmitting means for transmitting created reservation information tothe data delivery terminal.

The delivery reservation system of this invention includes the datadelivery terminal downloading content data via the cellular phonenetwork and the menu server connected to the data delivery terminal viathe cellular phone network. The menu server includes the first holdingmeans, and the first holding means holds the plurality of dataidentifying information in correspondence to the plurality of contentdata, respectively. Accordingly, when receiving an instruction from thedata delivery terminal, the identifying information selecting meansselects according to the instruction the one identifying informationfrom the plurality of data identifying information held in the firstholding means. Thereupon, the reservation information creating meanscreates the reservation information based on the selected dataidentifying information. The reservation information thus created istransmitted to the data delivery terminal by a transmitting means. Thatis, the data delivery terminal can store (register) the transmittedreservation information in a first storing means.

According to the present invention, the reservation information isapplied from the menu server, and therefore, it is possible to furthersimplify the operation.

In one aspect of the present invention, the reservation informationincludes connection information for connecting the data deliveryterminal to a connecting destination i.e., a download server, and theconnection information is stored in a second holding means. Since theidentifying information selecting means also selects the connectioninformation corresponding to the data identifying information, thereservation information creating means creates the reservationinformation including the data identifying information and theconnection information. Accordingly, the data delivery terminal caneasily connect to the download server according to the connectioninformation and download the content data.

In another aspect of the present invention, since the reservationinformation includes a downloadable term, the data delivery terminal candetermine based on the term whether or not schedule information is setat a downloadable date and time.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an illustrative view showing one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 is an illustrative view showing a configuration of a cellularphone of FIG. 1 embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an illustrative view showing a configuration of a memory cardshown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is an illustrative view showing a configuration of a downloadserver shown in FIG. 1 embodiment.

FIG. 5 is an illustrative view showing a schedule screen and a downloadreservation registration screen displayed on a display of the cellularphone of FIG. 1 embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a reservation registration process of acontroller 36 shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a download process of the controller 36shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a part of a process of the controller 36,a controller 70 and a CPU 80 a in a case of actually downloading contentdata to the memory card from the download server of FIG. 1 embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing another part of the process of thecontroller 36, the controller 70 and the CPU 80 a in a case of actuallydownloading the content data to the memory card from the download serverof FIG. 1 embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the other part of the process of thecontroller 36, the controller 70 and the CPU 80 a in a case of actuallydownloading the content data to the memory card from the download serverof FIG. 1 embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a further part of the process of thecontroller 36, the controller 70 and the CPU 80 a in a case of actuallydownloading the content data to the memory card from the download serverof FIG. 1 embodiment.

FIG. 12 is an illustrative view showing a configuration of a reproducercircuit of the cellular phone shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a part of a reproducing process in a caseof reproducing music data downloaded to the memory card by use of thecellular phone shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing another part of the reproducing processin a case of reproducing the music data downloaded to the memory card byuse of the cellular phone shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 15 is an illustrative view showing another embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 16 is an illustrative view showing a configuration of a menu serverof FIG. 15 embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a part of a process of a controller 36and a CPU 90 a in a case that reservation information is downloaded froma menu server of FIG. 15 embodiment and a reservation of downloadingmusic data is made by use of a cellular phone.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing another part of the process of thecontroller 36 and a CPU 90 a in a case that reservation information isdownloaded from the menu server of FIG. 15 embodiment and thereservation of downloading music data is made by use of a cellularphone.

BEST MODE FOR EMBODYING THE INVENTION

Referring to FIG. 1, a download system 10 of this embodiment includes acellular phone 12 which is connected to a delivery server 18 through aradio base station 14 and a cellular phone network 16. The deliveryserver 18 includes a download server 20 and an authentication server 22which are coupled to each other for mutual communications.

Referring to FIG. 2, the cellular phone 12 includes an antenna 30 whichis coupled to a transceiver circuit 32. The transceiver circuit 32 iscoupled to a controller 36 via an internal bus (herein after merelyreferred to as “bus”) 34. The controller 36 executes a call receivingprocess in response to an incoming call from an opposite side ofcommunication. That is, the controller 36 controls a sound processingcircuit 50 and outputs a calling tone or melody through a speaker 54. Auser recognizes “presence of incoming call” due to the calling tone ormelody so that he or she can input a call receiving operation by use ofan operation panel 44. As a consequence, a state of connection isestablished to allow the controller 36 to execute a speech process.Specifically, a voice signal from the opposite side of communication isreceived at the antenna 30 and fetched in the controller 36 through thetransceiver circuit 32, and then output from the speaker 54 through thebus 34 and the sound processing circuit 50. On the other hand, auser-voice signal is input at a microphone 52 and fetched in thecontroller 36 through the sound processing circuit 50 and the bus 34,and then transmitted from the antenna 30 through the bus 34 and thetransceiver circuit 32.

Furthermore, the user can input a telephone number of a desired oppositeside of communication by use of the operation panel 44. When the userinputs the telephone number, in response thereto, the controller 36controls a driver 38 so as to display the telephone number on thedisplay 40. Succeedingly, if the user instructs to call by use of theoperation panel 44, the controller 36 executes a calling operation.Then, if establishing a connection state to the opposite side ofcommunication, the controller 36 executes a speech process as describedabove.

The cellular phone 12 also includes a timer 42. Based upon timeinformation output from the timer 42, the controller 36 controls thedriver 38 to display a calendar (date), time and the like on the display40. Furthermore, when the user instructs to display a schedule byoperating the operation panel 44, the controller 36 controls the driver38 and displays a screen of the schedule (schedule screen) on thedisplay 40.

When the schedule screen is displayed, the user can input a schedule andetc. thereto by use of the operation panel 44. When the schedule andetc. is input, the controller 36 stores (registers) information such asthe schedule and etc. in a schedule memory 48. Accordingly, when aschedule display is instructed thereafter, the controller 36 reads outthe information of the schedule and etc. from the schedule memory 48,and allows the display 40 to display the information including theschedule and etc. by controlling the driver 38.

The cellular phone 12 further includes a reproducer circuit 46 and aninterface 56. The reproducer circuit 46 and the interface 56 are coupledto the controller 36 through the bus 34. The reproducer circuit 46 isconnected with a terminal 60 to which a headphone 24 is connected asshown in FIG. 1. Also, the interface 56 is connected with a memory card58 that is to be detachably attached to a phone main body. Accordingly,when the user instructs reproduction by use of the operation panel 44,in response thereto, the controller 36 executes a reproduction process.That is, music data stored in the memory card 58 is read out. Thereproducer circuit 46 reproduces this data so as to output to theheadphone 24 through the terminal 60.

As shown in FIG. 3, the memory card 58 includes a controller 70. Thecontroller 70 is coupled through a bus 72 to a memory 74, a licensememory 76 and a key memory 78. The memory 74 stores data obtained byencrypting data such as music data and etc. protected under copyright(content data), and data to be freely exchanged. Also, the licensememory 76 stores data such as a content decryption key and etc. requiredto protect a copyright, that is, license data required to reproduce theencrypted content data. Furthermore, the key memory 78 stores a key foruse in a mutual authentication (encryption) process to be conducted intransmitting/receiving the license data.

Referring to FIG. 4, the download server 20 includes a computer 80. Thecomputer 80 is coupled to a communication device 82 and an HDD (HardDisk Drive) 84. The communication device 82 can establish a connectionwith the cellular phone 12 via the cellular phone network 16 and theradio base station 14 in accordance with an instruction of a CPU 80 aprovided on the computer 80. Furthermore, the HDD 84 is stored with aplurality of encrypted music data and license keys each corresponding toeach of the music data. Desired encrypted music data and thecorresponding license key are read out in accordance with an instructionof the CPU 80 a so as to be transmitted to the cellular phone 12 throughthe communication device 82. That is, the cellular phone 12 accesses thedownload server 20 via the radio base station 14 and the cellular phonenetwork 16, and therefore, the desired music data can be downloaded.

For example, if the user instructs to display the schedule screen byutilizing the operation panel 44, the schedule screen as shown in FIG.5(A) is displayed on the display 40. It is noted that although numeralsof year, month, day and etc. are omitted for the sake of convenience ofa drawing, the display 40 is displayed with a calendar, for example. Ina case that the information such as a schedule is registered, theschedule is displayed in a simple letter, figure or the like on acorresponding day.

In addition, when the user operates a reservation button (not shown)provided on the control panel 44, in response thereto, the controller 36controls the driver 38 so as to display a reservation registrationscreen (herein after merely referred to as “reservation screen”) fordownloading music data on the display 40. That is, a new reservationscreen as shown in FIG. 5(B) is displayed. It is noted that although thescreens of the display 40 shown in FIG. 5(A) and FIG. 5(B) are differentin size for the sake of simplicity of a drawing, both of them are thesame in size.

The user can input reservation information of music data desired todownload on the basis of information obtained by a magazine and etc. onthe reservation screen by use of the operation panel 44. As understoodfrom FIG. 5(B), a date and time of download, a title name of the musicdata, and an artist name can be input on the reservation screen.Furthermore, a data size of the music data, a purchase condition and aserver ID can also be input. Herein, the purchase condition is acondition whether or not the number of reproduction times of thedownloaded music data is limited, and etc. The server ID means atelephone number (DAP-TEL) to an access point (DAP) for accessing thedownload server 20 shown in FIG. 1, a URL for properly accessing thedownload server 20, and etc.

It is noted that although the title or the artist name is input fordesignating the music data in this embodiment, a code (content ID) foridentifying the music data may be input. The content ID can be obtainedfrom the magazine and etc. in advance.

After completion of inputting such the reservation information, the userpresses (clicks) the “REGISTRATION” button on the reservation screen byuse of the operation panel 44. Thereupon, the controller 36 stores theinput reservation information into the schedule memory 48. It is notedthat in a case that the reservation information is not input at all, awarning message such as “NO INFORMATION IS INPUT”, for example, isdisplayed on the reservation screen of the display 40 and a warningsound is output from the speaker 54. In response to the warning, afterinputting the lacked reservation information, the user depresses the“REGISTRATION” button again.

It is noted that when a “CANCEL” button is depressed at a time of orafter the completion of inputting the reservation information, the input(reservation) can be ended at an uncompleted state. That is, it ispossible to stop the reservation in the middle.

Furthermore, after the reservation information is registered, when theschedule screen is displayed on the display 40 again, a simple characteror figure and etc. indicative of presence of the reservation isdisplayed on the corresponding date (day of executing the download). Itis noted that a portion indicative of the presence of the reservation isfilled in FIG. 5(A). In the schedule screen the filled portion (column)is depressed, the controller 36 reads out corresponding reservationinformation from the schedule memory 48 and displays the correspondingreservation screen on the display 40. Accordingly, the user can confirmand correct the contents of the registration viewing the reservationscreen. It is noted that after completion of confirmation andcorrection, when the “REGISTRATION” button is depressed, the reservationinformation is stored (rewritten) into the schedule memory 48. On theother hand, the “CANCEL” button is depressed, the controller 36 erasescorresponding reservation information within the schedule memory 48.That is, the reservation can be canceled.

More specifically, the controller 36 performs a reservation processaccording to a flowchart shown in FIG. 6. The controller 36 starts aprocess when the main power of the cellular phone 12 is turned on, andit is determined whether or not the reservation button provided on theoperation panel 44 is depressed in a step S1. If “YES” is determined inthe step S1, i.e., if the reservation button is depressed, a newreservation screen is displayed on the display 40 by controlling thedriver 38 in a step S3, and then, the process proceeds to a step S9.

On the other hand, if “NO” is determined in the step S1, it isdetermined whether or not a schedule column (a portion having areservation on the schedule screen) is depressed in a step S5. That is,it is determined whether or not an instruction of displaying areservation screen which has been registered is input. If “NO” isdetermined in the step S5 i.e., if the schedule column is not pointed,the process directly returns to the step S1. However, if “YES” isdetermined in the step S5 i.e., if the schedule column is depressed,corresponding reservation information is read from the schedule memory48 and the reservation screen is displayed on the display 40 bycontrolling the driver 38. Then, the process proceeds to the step S9.

It is determined whether or not the “REGISTRATION” button on thereservation screen is depressed in the step S9. That is, it isdetermined whether or not an input of the reservation information on thereservation screen is ended. It is noted that in a case the displayedreservation information once reserved is displayed in a step S7, it isdetermined whether or not confirmation and correction are completed. If“YES” is determined in the step S9 i.e., if the “REGISTRATION” button isdepressed, it is determined the input (confirmation) is ended, and then,it is determined whether or not all the reservation information is inputin a step S11. If “NO” in the step S11 i.e., if all the reservationinformation has not been input, the warning message and the warningsound are output in a step S15, and then, the process returns to thestep S9. More specifically, the controller 36 displays a message such as“INPUT ALL INFORMATION” and etc. on the display 40 by controlling thedriver 38 and outputs the warning sound such as “PEE” and etc. from thespeaker 54 by controlling the sound processing circuit 50. On the otherhand, if “YES” in the step S11 i.e., if all the reservation informationis input, the reservation information is stored in the schedule memory48 in a step S13, and then, the process is ended.

Furthermore, if “NO” in the step S9 i.e., if the “REGISTRATION” buttonis not depressed, it is determined whether or not the “CANCEL” button isdepressed in a step S17. If “NO” in the step S17 i.e., if the “CANCEL”button is not depressed, it is determined to be at a time of inputting,the process returns to the step S9. On the other hand, if “YES” in thestep S17 i.e., if the “CANCEL” button is depressed, the correspondingreservation information within the schedule memory 48 is erased in astep S19, and then, the process is ended. It is noted that in a case the“CANCEL” button is depressed on a new reservation screen, the input ofthe reservation information i.e., the reservation is ended in themiddle.

Thus, it is possible to make a reservation to download desired musicdata. The controller 36 checks the schedule memory 48 at a predeterminedset time (e.g., 9 a.m.) every day and determines whether or not areservation is present on the day. The controller 36 obtains a time(reservation time) included in the reservation information in a case ofpresent of reservation, and stores it in the memory 36 a within thecontroller 36. The controller 36 detects time information applied fromthe timer 42, and executes a process for download at the time stored inthe memory 36 a.

More specifically, the controller 36 executes a process for downloadaccording to a flowchart shown in FIG. 7. The controller 36 starts theprocess at the reserved time as described above, and determines whetheror not the reservation information is present in the schedule memory 48in a step S21. That is, it is determined whether or not the reservationis present. It is noted that since the controller 36 starts the processfor download on the basis of the reserved time once it obtains thereserved time, it is determined whether or not the reservation ispresent in the step S21 in preparation to a case that the user cancelsthe reservation after obtaining the reserved time.

If “NO” in the step S21, it is determined that no reservation is made,and the process is directly returned. If “YES” in the step S21 i.e., ifthe reservation is made, a download environment (situation) is checkedin a step S23. More specifically, a radio wave condition, a vacantcapacity of the license memory 76 within the memory card 58 and aremaining amount of a battery are checked.

The radio wave condition can be detected by an intensity of the radiowave. In the cellular phone 12, an intensity of the radio wave isdetected in the transceiver circuit 32, and the controller 36 controlsthe driver 38 on the basis of the detected result so as to display anantenna character and a character indicative of an intensity level.Accordingly, if a threshold value of the intensity of the radio wave fordetermining whether a downloadable condition or not is evaluated by anexperiment in advance and stored in the memory, it is possible to check(determine) the radio wave condition depending on whether or not theintensity of the radio wave is larger than the threshold value.

Furthermore, the vacant capacities of the memory 74 and the licensememory 76 can be informed by communicating with the controller 70provided on the memory card 58. Accordingly, it is possible to check(determine) whether or not the vacant capacity of the license memory 76is sufficient by comparing the size (data size) of the music dataincluded in the reservation information with the vacant capacity.

In addition, the remaining amount of the battery is easily checked(determined) by detecting a voltage value of the battery (not shown) andbased on a characteristic of the battery. It is noted that thecharacteristic of the battery can be informed in advance by obtaining itthrough an experiment or from a manufacturer beforehand.

After completing all of the checks, the controller 36 determined whetheror not the download is possible in a step S25. That is, it is determinedwhether or not the radio wave condition, the vacant capacity and theremaining amount of the battery all satisfy a downloadable condition. If“YES” in the step S25 i.e., if all conditions are satisfied, a downloadprocess is executed in a step S27, and a message and a sound fornotifying the completion of the download are output in a step S29 andthen, the process is returned.

On the other hand, if “NO” in the step S25 i.e., if at least onecondition is not satisfied, an optimization process is executed in astep S31.

Only an improvement of the radio wave condition is executed in theoptimization process for the purpose of simple description in thisembodiment. Specifically, the controller 36 searches for another radiobase station being strong in the intensity of the radio wave bycontrolling the transceiver 32. It is noted that the vacant capacity maybe automatically increased in the optimization process. That is, themusic data which has stored in the license memory 76 and becameirreproducible, the music data having older downloaded date, or themusic data low in reproduction frequency may be erased.

In a following step S33, it is determined whether or not theoptimization process is ended, that is, whether the radio wave conditionis improved or not. If “YES” in the step S33, the process returns to thestep S23 so as to check the download environment again. On the otherhand, if “NO” in the step S33 i.e., if in a case the radio wavecondition is not improved, or a shortage of memory area or/and ashortage of the remaining amount of the battery occur, a warning displayis performed as to an item that the downloadable condition is notsatisfied, and the warning sound is output in a step S35.

For example, in a case the radio wave condition is not improved, “CANNOTDOWNLOAD DUE TO WORSE RADIO WAVE CONDITION” and etc. is displayed. In acase of insufficient memory area, a message such as “LACK OF VACANTAREA”, “DELETE UNNECESSARY DATA OR EXCHANGE MEMORY CARD” and etc. isdisplayed. In a case of being short of the remaining amount of thebattery, a message such as “LACK OF REMAINING AMOUNT OF BATTERY”,“EXCHANGE OR CHARGE BATTERY” and etc. is displayed.

In a following step S37, the controller 36 renews the reserved timewithin the memory 36 a and the reserved time included in the reservationinformation within the schedule memory 48. That is, the reserved time isdelayed by a predetermined time period (i.e., 1 hour), and then theprocess is returned.

Although in a case impossible to perform the download, the timeinformation is thus automatically renewed, the reservation screen may bedisplayed on the display 40 so as to allow the user to manually changethe time information (reserved time).

The download process shown in the above described step S27 is shown inflowcharts shown in FIG. 8 to FIG. 11. In a case of downloading such themusic data protected under copyright, there is a need to pay copyrightroyalty for an owner of the copyright. In addition, there is a problemthat free exchange of the music data after download causes lack of theprotection of the copyright. For avoiding such problems, a downloadprocess of the music data will be described on the basis of a processshown in detail in Japanese Patent Application No. 11-345229 previouslyfiled by the applicant.

Such the download process is executed by mutually communicating thecontroller 70 within the memory card 58 and the CPU 80 a within thedownload server 20. Thus, dot-lined partitioning is provided tofacilitate understanding of the respective processes of the controller36, the controller 70 and the CPU 80 a.

When the download process is started, first, the controller 36 calls thedownload server 20 of a download destination in a step S51. That is, aserver ID included in reservation information or connection information(DAP-TEL) to an access point (DAP) is dialed. Succeedingly, thecontroller 36 determines whether or not connection is established in astep S53. If “NO” is determined in the step S53 i.e., if the connectionis not established, it is determined that it is impossible to performthe download, and then, the process proceeds to a step S59. On the otherhand, if “YES” is determined in the step S53, it is determined whetheror not traffic is jammed in a step S55. If “YES” is determined in thestep S55 i.e., if the traffic is jammed, it is determined it isimpossible to perform the download, and the process proceeds to the stepS59.

In the step S59, the controller 36 displays the warning message on thedisplay 40 by controlling the driver 38 and outputs the warning sound bycontrolling the sound processing circuit 50. That is, warning sound suchas “PEE” or the like is output together with a message such as “CANNOTDOWNLOAD”. In a following step S61, the controller 36 renews thereserved time within the memory 36 a and the reserved time within aschedule memory 48 and then, the process is returned as shown in FIG.11. It is noted that the reserved time is delayed by a predeterminedtime period (e.g., 15 minutes) in this embodiment. Furthermore, the usermay change the reserved time as above-described manner.

On the other hand, if “NO” in the step S55 i.e., if the traffic is notjammed, first, the controller 70 outputs a certified public encryptionkey ({KPmc(1)}KPma) in a step S57. Note that the certified publicencryption key ({KPmc(1)}KPma) is stored within the key memory 78 notdirectly accessible by a user and etc. Also, the public encryption key(KPmc(1)) is a public encryption key unique to a media class (kind,production lot and etc.) of the memory card 58.

In a following step S63, the controller 36 transmits the content ID, ACand the certified public encryption key ({KPmc(1)}KPma). Herein, thecontent ID is a code for identifying the music data (content data) anduniquely determined by a title name and an artist name included in thereservation information. Furthermore, the AC is license requestinformation by which the reproduction condition of the music data isdetermined.

In a following step S65, the CPU 80 a receives the content ID, the ACand the certified public encryption key ({KPmc(1)}KPma), and decryptsthe certified public encryption key ({KPmc(1)}KPma) using the RAM 80 bas a working memory in a step S67 shown in FIG. 9. Noted that thedownload server 20 previously holds within the computer 80 a public key(authentication key: KPma) to decrypt the certified public encryptionkey ({KPmc(1)}KPma). Using the authentication key (KPma), the certifiedpublic encryption key ({KPmc(1)}KPma) is decrypted. Also, the expression{X}Y means information of X encrypted in a decryptable form by a key Y.This is true hereunder throughout the specification.

In a following step S69, it is determined whether or not the publicencryption key (KPmc(1)) contained in the received certified publicencryption key ({KPmc(1)}KPma) is valid or not from a result of thedecryption. At this time, the CPU 80 a makes an inquiry to theauthentication server 22 to thereby examine whether the publicencryption key (KPmc(1)) is valid or not.

If “NO” in the step S69 i.e., if the public encryption key (KPmc(1)) isinvalid, the process is returned as it is as shown in FIG. 11. On theother hand, if “YES” in the step S69 i.e., if the public encryption key(KPmc(1)) is valid, the CPU 80 a uses the RAM 80 b to produce a code(transaction ID) capable of specifying a delivery session. Subsequently,the CPU 80 a produces a symmetric key (Ks1) unique to this session byuse of the RAM 80 b, and performs encryption in a decryptable form witha private decryption key (Kmc(1)), which is asymmetric and unique to amedia class of a memory card 58 by use of the public encryption key(KPmc(1)). That is, {Ks1}Kmc(1) is produced. Then, the CPU 80 atransmits the transaction ID previously produced and the {Ks1}Kmc(1).

In a following step S77, the controller 36 receives the transaction IDand the {Ks1}Kmc(1), and accepts only the transaction ID in a step S79and transmits the {Ks1}Kmc(1) as it is to the controller 70 of thememory card 58. Accordingly, in a step S81, the controller 70 receivesthe {Ks1}Kmc(1) and decrypts this {Ks1}Kmc(1) by using the privatedecryption key (Kmc(1)) unique to the memory card 58, accepting thesymmetric key (Ks1) unique to the session. It is noted that the privatedecryption key (Kmc(1)) of the memory card 58 is also stored in the keymemory 78 similarly to the certified public encryption key({KPmc(1)}Kpma).

Next, the controller 70 generates a symmetric key (Ks2) unique to thissession in a step S83, and decryptably encrypts and outputs thesymmetric key (Ks2) unique to the session and the public encryption key(KPm(1)) by use of the symmetric key (Ks1) unique to the session. Thatis, {Ks2//KPm(1)}Ks1is created and delivered to the controller 36through the bus 34.

Note that the representation {X//Y} Z means information of X and Yrespectively encrypted in a decryptable form by a key Z. This is truehereunder throughout the embodiment.

Then, the controller 36 adds the transaction ID to the {Ks2//KPm(1)}Ks1in a step S85, and transmits {Ks2//KPm(1)}Ks1//transaction ID in a stepS87.

It is noted that the representation X//Y means that X and Y arerespectively transmitted and received. This is true hereunder throughoutthe embodiment.

The CPU 80 a receives the {Ks2//KPm(1)}Ks1//transaction ID in a stepS89, and decrypts the {Ks2//KPm(1)}Ks1 with the symmetric key (Ks1)unique to the session by use of the RAM 80 b in a step S91. Thus, Ks2and KPm(1) are obtained. Subsequently, the CPU 80 a acquires a contentdecryption key (Kc) from a database stored on the HDD 84 according tothe content ID acquired before (in the step S65) in a step S93 shown inFIG. 10. Then, the CPU 80 a generates a management code (license ID)capable of specifying issuance of a license in a step S95.

Also, the CPU 80 a produces limitation information (AC1) and controlinformation (AC2) according to the AC obtained before (in the step S65)in a step S97. The limitation information (AC1) includes permissioninformation for determining whether to output a content decryption key(Kc) stored in the memory card 58 and number-of-times limitationinformation for limiting the number of times of reproduction.

It is noted that the number-of-times limiting information is, forexample, 2-bit data and set between “00”–“FF”. The number-of timeslimiting information “00” represents prohibition from reproducing while“FF” shows the limitless number of times of reproducing. Also, thenumber of times of reproduction is limited in between “01”–“FE”. Moreprecisely, a number of times of outputting of the content decryption key(Kc) is limited.

Furthermore, the control information (AC2) is information representativeof a limitation of reproduction, such as a time limit (term) ofreproducing, on a side of a reproducer circuit. Specifically, the timelimit of reproduction limits a reproducible day and time.

Then, the CPU 80 a encrypts the content decryption key (Kc), limitinginformation (AC1), control information (AC2), a license ID and a contentID with use of the public encryption key (KPm(1)) decryptable by thedecryption key (Km(1)) unique to the memory card 58 in a step S99. Thatis, {Kc//AC1//AC2//license ID//content ID}Km(1) is generated.

Subsequently, the CPU 80 a encrypts the {Kc//AC1//AC2//licenseID//content ID}Km(1) by use of the symmetric key (Ks2) unique to thissession while the RAM 80 b is also used in a step S101. That is,{Kc//AC1//AC2//license ID//content ID}Km(1)}Ks2is produced. Then, this{{Kc//AC1//AC2//license ID//content ID}Km(1)}Ks2 is transmitted in astep S103.

Accordingly, the controller 36 receives the {{Kc//AC1//AC2//licenseID//content ID}Km(1)}Ks2 in a step S105, and thereafter provides it tothe controller 70. In response thereto, the controller 70 decrypts the{{Kc//AC1//AC2//license ID//content ID}Km(1)}Ks2 by the symmetric key(Ks2) in a step S107 shown in FIG. 11. Consequently, the{Kc//AC1//AC2//license ID//content ID}Km(1) is produced. Next, thecontroller 70 decrypts the {Kc//AC1//AC2//license ID//content ID}Km(1)into a plain text by use of the decryption key (Km(1)) unique to thememory card 58 in a step S109. Accordingly, this provides a contentdecryption key (Kc), limiting information (AC1), control information(AC2), and a license ID. Succeedingly, the controller 70 stores thecontent decryption key (Kc), the limiting information (AC1), the controlinformation (AC2), the license ID and the content ID into the licensememory 76 in a step S111.

When the content decryption key (Kc), the limiting information (AC1),the control information (AC2), the license ID and the content ID arestored in the license memory 76, the controller 36 transmits thetransaction ID acquired before (in the step S79) and a data transmissionrequest in a step S113. In response thereto, the CPU 80 a acquires fromthe HDD 84 the music data, i.e., {Data}Kc obtained by decryptablyencrypting the content data, by the content decryption key (Kc), andadditional information (Data-inf) corresponding thereto. It is noted theadditional information (Data-inf) includes plain text information suchas corresponding content data related to copyright or related to serveraccess, title name, song writer's words, jackets and etc. In a followingstep S117, the CPU 80 a transmits {Data}Kc//Data-inf.

Accordingly, the controller 36 receives the {Data}Kc//Data-inf in a stepS119, and thereafter provides it to the controller 70. The controller 70accepts the {Data}Kc//Data-inf in a step S121 and stores encryptedcontent data {Data}Kc and additional information (Data-inf) in thememory 74.

Having stored the encrypted content data {Data}Kc and the additionalinformation (Data-inf), the controller 36 transmits the transaction IDand data acceptance in a step S123, and thereafter disconnects thecircuit. Accordingly, the CPU 80 a receives the transaction ID and thedata acceptance in a step S125, and then, the process is returned.

Thus, the encrypted content data (music data), additional informationthereto and information (license information) required for reproducing,such as a decryption key are stored (downloaded) into the memory card 58according to the reservation information. It is noted that aftercompletion of the download, the reservation information corresponding tothe content data is erased from the schedule memory 48.

According to this embodiment, only by making a reservation on thereservation screen, it is possible to download desired music dataaccording to the time information and therefore, an operation is simple.Furthermore, in a case impossible to download the data, the timeinformation is renewed so as to download the data again, and therefore,it is possible to surely perform the download. In addition, a setting ofthe reserved time to an office hour or a bedtime hour can avoid a statethat it is impossible to perform a telephone conversation by thecellular phone 12.

Furthermore, the downloaded music data can be reproduced by utilizingthe cellular phone 12. Accordingly, the reproduced music data is outputvia a headphone 24 connected to the output terminal 60. It is noted thata reproducing process is also described in detail in Japanese PatentApplication No. 11-345229 previously filed by the applicant.

The music-data reproducer circuit 46 includes a mutual authenticationprocessing circuit 46 a, as shown in FIG. 12. The mutual authenticationprocessing circuit 46 a is coupled to the memory card 58 through the bus34, and interchanges keys with the memory card 58 to obtain a contentdecryption key (Kc) protected under the copyright and controlinformation (AC2), thereby carrying out mutual authentication. Also, themutual authentication processing circuit 46 a is coupled with a keymemory 46 b and a content decryption processing circuit 46 c. The keymemory 46 b stores a key unique to a class of the reproducer circuit 46to be handled by the mutual authentication processing circuit 46 a. Thecontent decryption processing circuit 46 c is also coupled to the memorycard 58 through the bus 34 to be supplied with encrypted music data({Data}Kc) from the memory card 58. Also, a content decryption key (Kc)finally obtained by the mutual authentication processing circuit 46 a issupplied to the circuit 46 c. Accordingly, in the content decryptionprocessing circuit 46 c the encrypted music data ({Data}Kc) is decrypted(converted into plain text) by use of the content decryption key (Kc).That is, music data (Data) as plain text information is output from thecontent decryption processing circuit 46 c and supplied to a musicreproducing processing circuit 46 d. The music reproducing processingcircuit 46 d performs a reproducing process on the music data (Data),outputting to the terminal 60.

Specifically, a reproducing process is carried out according toflowcharts as shown in FIG. 13 and FIG. 14. It is noted that because thereproducing process is executed by the controller 36 and the reproducercircuit 46 within the cellular phone 12 and the controller 70 within thememory card 58, dot-lined partitioning is provided to facilitateunderstanding the processes of the cellular phone 12 and the memory card58.

As shown in FIG. 13, first, the controller 36 determines whether or nota reproduce instruction is input by the user in a step S131. If “NO” inthe step S131 i.e., if the reproduce instruction is not input, theprocess returns to the same step S131. On the other hand, if “YES” inthe step S131 i.e., if the reproduce instruction is input, the reproduceinstruction is input to the reproducer circuit 46 in a step S133.Consequently, the mutual authentication processing circuit 46 a readsout a certified encrypted key ({KPp}KPma) stored in the key memory 46 band outputs it.

Accordingly, the controller 70 receives the certified encryption key({KPp}KPma) and decrypts (converts into plain text) the certifiedencryption key ({KPp}KPma) by use of the authentication key (KPma) in astep S135. In a subsequent step S137, the controller 70 determines froma result of decryption in the step S135 whether or not the publicencryption key (KPp) unique to a class of the reproducer circuit 46 isvalid. If “NO” in the step S137 i.e., if the public encryption key (KPp)is invalid, the process is ended as it is as shown in FIG. 14. On theother hand, if “YES” in the step S137 i.e., if the public encryption key(KPp) is valid, the controller 70 generates a symmetric key (Ks3) uniqueto this session in a step S139 and encrypts it into a decryptable formby use of the private decryption key (Kp) which is asymmetry and pairswith the public encryption key (KPp) held in the key memory 46 b. Thatis, {Ks3}Kp is produced. Then, the controller 70 outputs the {Ks3}Kp ina step S141.

Succeedingly, the controller 36 receives the {Ks3}Kp in a step S143 andinputs it to the mutual authentication processing circuit 46 a. Themutual authentication processing circuit 46 a decrypts (converts intoplain text) the {Ks3}Kp by use of the private decryption key (Kp) storedin the key memory 46 b. In a following step S145, a symmetric key (Ks4)unique to this session is generated, and the symmetric key (Ks4) isencrypted by the symmetric key (Ks3). That is, {Ks4}Ks3is produced.Subsequently, this {Ks4}Ks3 is output to the memory card in a step S147.

In a step S149, the controller 70 receives the {Ks4}Ks3and decrypts(converts) into plain text or normal text) the same by the symmetric key(Ks3). Thus, the symmetric key (Ks4) is obtained. In a following stepS151, the controller 70 determines whether non-reproducible or not basedon the limiting information (AC1). If “YES” in the step S151 i.e., ifthe output of the content decryption key (Kc) is not permitted or theoutput of the content decryption key (Kc) is permitted but thenumber-of-times limiting information is “00”, determination is asnon-reproducible and the process is ended as shown in FIG. 14. On theother hand, if “NO” in the step S151 i.e., if the content decryption key(Kc) output is permitted and the number-of-times limiting information isother than “00”, determination is as reproducible and it is determinedwhether there is limitation in the number of times of reproduction in astep S153. If “NO” in the step S153 i.e., if the number-of-timeslimiting information is “FF”, and thus determination is as not limitedin the number of times of reproducing, the process directly proceeds toa step S157 shown in FIG. 14. On the other hand, if “YES” in the stepS153 i.e., if the number-of-times limiting information is in between“01”-“FE”, determination is as limited in the number of times ofreproducing, the number-of-times limiting information within the licensememory 76 is renewed (decremented) in a step S155 and then, the processproceeds to a step S157.

In the step S157 shown in FIG. 14, the controller 70 acquires thecontent decryption key (Kc) in the license memory 76 and the controlinformation (AC2) for the reproducer circuit. In a succeeding step S159,the content decryption key (Kc) and the reproducer-circuit controlinformation (AC2) are encrypted by the afore-acquired symmetric key(Ks4) unique to the session. Accordingly, {Kc//AC2}Ks4 is produced.Then, the controller 70 outputs this {Kc//AC2}Ks4 in a step S161.

Accordingly, in a step S163 the controller 36 acquires the {Kc//AC2}Ks4and inputs it to the mutual authentication processing circuit 46 a.Then, the mutual authentication processing circuit 46 a decrypts(converts into plain text) the {Kc//AC2}Ks4 with use of the symmetrickey (Ks4), according to an instruction by the controller 36.Subsequently, in a step S165 the controller 36 determines whether it isnon-reproducible or not based on the control information (AC2). That is,it is determined whether or not a term (time limit) for reproducing bythe reproducer circuit 46 expired with referring to the time informationgiven from the timer 42. If “YES” in the step S165 i.e., if thereproducible term is over, the process is ended as it is. On the otherhand, if “NO” in the step S165 i.e., if the reproducible term did notexpire, the controller 36 requests the memory 58 to output the {Data}Kcin a step S167. In response, the controller 70 acquires the encryptedmusic data {Data}Kc within the memory 74 and then outputs it in a stepS169.

In response thereto, the controller 36 inputs the {Data}Kc to thecontent decryption processing circuit 46 c in a step S171. Accordingly,the content decryption processing circuit 46 c decrypts (converts intoplain text) the {Data}Kc by use of the content decryption key (Kc). Thecontent decryption processing circuit 46 c outputs the music data (Data)to the music-reproducing processing circuit 46 d in a step S173. Themusic-reproducing processing circuit 46 d reproduces the music data(Data), and the process is completed.

Thus, it is possible to download desired content data (music data) onthe basis of the reservation information, and it is possible toreproduce the music data.

Since a download system 10 of another embodiment shown in FIG. 15 is thesame as FIG. 1 embodiment except for that a menu server 26 is furtherprovided with the delivery server 18 and the reservation informationcorresponding to the content data registered in the menu server 26 isdownloaded so as to input the reservation information, a duplicatedescription is omitted.

As shown in FIG. 15, the menu server 26 is communicatively provided withthe download server 20, and can communicate with the cellular phone 12via the cellular phone network 16 and the radio base station 14. Themenu server 26 includes a computer 90 such as a personal computer (PC)and etc. as shown in FIG. 16, and the computer 90 is connected with acommunication circuit 92 and an HDD 94. The HDD 94 is stored with aplurality of reservation information corresponding to a plurality ofcontent data (music data) and can transmit a list of the correspondingreservation information to a side of the cellular hone 12 according toan instruction from the cellular phone 12.

The user selects desired reservation information from the list of thereservation information displayed on the display 40 of the cellularphone 12, and in response thereto, the menu server 26 transmits selectedone reservation information to the cellular phone 12. Accordingly, thecellular phone 12 registers (stores) the transmitted reservationinformation into the schedule memory 48.

Thereafter, the cellular phone 12 downloads the content data (musicdata) from the download server 20 on the basis of the reservationinformation registered in the schedule memory 48.

More specifically, the controller 36 provided on the cellular phone 12and a CPU 90 a provided on the menu server 26 are communicated with eachother via the cellular phone network 16 and the radio base station 14.The reservation is made by obtaining the information required for thedownload of the content data (music data). The reservation process isshown in FIG. 17 and FIG. 18. It is noted that dot-lined partitioning isprovided in order to facilitate understanding the processing of thecontroller 36 and the CPU 90 a.

Referring to FIG. 17, when the reservation process is started, thecontroller 36 first dials connection information (MAP-TEL) to an accesspoint (MAP) of the menu server 26 in a step S181. In a following stepS183, the controller 36 determines whether or not a connection isestablished. If “NO” in the step S183 i.e., if the connection is notestablished, the process returns to the step S181 so as to performre-dial again. On the other hand, if “YES” is determined in the stepS183 i.e., if the connection is established, the CPU 90 a transmits menudata in a step S185. For example, the menu data is a list of dataresearchable on a singer-by-singer or title-by-title basis such as abook utilized for selecting music of karaoke.

Accordingly, the controller 36 receives the menu data in a step S187,and displays it on the display 40 by controlling the driver 38 in a step189. That is, the display 40 is displayed with a list in the order ofthe 50-character kana (in Japanese language) syllabary on asinger-by-singer or title-by-title basis. It is noted that because themenu data is enormous in amount, the data is transmitted by apredetermined amount at one time and displayed on the display 40 in thisembodiment. Succeedingly, the controller 36 determined whether or notmusic is selected in a step S191. That is, it is determined whether ornot a determination button (not shown) provided on the operation panel44 is depressed. If “YES” is determined in the step S191 i.e., if thedetermination button is depressed, the process proceeds to a step S199shown in FIG. 18.

On the other hand, if “NO” in the step S191 i.e., if the determinationbutton is not depressed, the controller 36 determines whether or not aninstruction of displaying the next menu data is present in a step S193.That is, it is determined whether or not a next page button (not shown)provided on the operation panel 44 is depressed. If “NO” in the stepS193 i.e., if the next page button is not depressed, the process returnsto the step S191 as it is. On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S193i.e., if the next page button is depressed, a transmission request ofnext menu data is transmitted in a step S195. Consequently, the CPU 90 areceives the transmission request of the menu data in a step S197, andin response thereto, the process returns to the step S185 so as toexecute the transmission of the next menu data.

In a step S199 shown in FIG. 18, the controller 36 determines whether ornot input of a purchase condition is present. That is, it is determinedwhether or not a reproduction condition (a number of times ofreproductions, and etc.) is input. If “YES” in the step S199 i.e., ifthe reproduction condition is input, the controller 36 transmits a musicselection result and the purchase condition in a step S201. On the otherhand, if “NO” is determined in the step S199 i.e., if the reproductioncondition is not input, the controller 36 transmits only the musicselection result in a step S203.

Consequently, in a step S205, the CPU 90 a receives the music selectionresult and etc. (both of the music selection result and the purchasecondition or only the music selection), and stores it in a RAM 90 b. Ina following step S207, according to the music selection result, the CPU90 a acquires from the HDD 94 a content ID, AC, and connectioninformation (DAP-TEL) to an access point (DAP) of the download server20, and transmits the content ID, the AC, the connection information(DAP-TEL) to the access point (DAP) of the download server 20 and adownloadable term in a step S209. That is, content ID//AC//DAP-TEL//termis transmitted.

It is noted that the representation X//Y means transmission andreception of X and Y as shown in the above-described embodiment. This istrue hereinafter throughout the present embodiment.

In a following step S211, the controller 36 receives the contentID//AC//DAP-TEL// term, and stores it in the RAM 62 and then,disconnects the connection with the menu server 26 in a step S213.

Then, the CPU 36 determines whether or not a date and time of thedownload is specified in a step S215. If “NO” in the step S215, it isdetermined that the date and time is not specified, and then, theprocess directly returns to the step S215. On the other hand, if “YES”in the step S215 i.e., if the date and time is specified, it isdetermined whether or not the specified date and time is within thedownloadable term. If “NO” in a step S217 i.e., if the specified dateand time is not within the downloadable term, a warning message andwarning sound are output in a step S219, and then, the process returnsto the step S215. For example, a message such as “SPECIFIED DATE ANDTIME ARE NOT APPROPRIATE”, “INPUT AGAIN” and etc. is displayed on thedisplay 40 by controlling the driver 38, and the warning sound such as“PEE” and etc. is output from the speaker 54 by controlling the soundprocessing circuit 50.

On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S217 i.e., if the specified dateand time is within the downloadable term, content ID, AC, telephonenumber (DAP-TEL) and specified date and time i.e., reservationinformation within the RAM 62 are stored in the schedule memory 48 in astep S221, and then, the process is ended.

It is noted that although a size of the content data (music data) is notshown at all, it may be transmitted together with the content ID andetc. from the menu server in this embodiment.

According to this embodiment, since the reservation information relatingto the download can be acquired from the menu server 26, there is noneed to obtain the reservation information form a magazine and etc. andinput them one by one. That is, it is possible to further simplify theoperation.

It is noted that although a description is made in these embodiments ononly a case of one reservation per day, a case of more than tworeservations per day may be appropriate. In this case, when storing thereserved time in the memory 36 a, there is a need to store it relatingwith the reservation information.

Also in this embodiment, although only the music data is shown ascontent data, it is needless to say that content data such as image dataand etc. protected under copyright is also appropriate. However, in acase of the image data, input of a reproduction instruction after thedownload displays an image corresponding to the image data on a displayof the cellular phone.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, in a case that data is encrypted ordecrypted in each of the memory card, the download server and the menuserver, a corresponding controller or CPU executes the process.Alternatively an exclusive circuit may be provided because theprocessing of encryption and decryption is enormous.

In addition, although the cellular phone is utilized as a data deliveryterminal in this embodiment, an exclusive machine for download andreproduction having no communication function with another cellularphone may be appropriate.

Alternatively, a PHS capable of being connected to a delivery server viaa radio base station and a simple cellular phone network may beappropriate for download.

Although the present invention has been described and illustrated indetail, it is clearly understood that the same is by way of illustrationand example only and is not to be taken by way of limitation, the spiritand scope of the present invention being limited only by the terms ofthe appended claims.

1. A reservation delivery system, comprising: a terminal for receivingdownloaded content data via a cellular phone network; a menu serverbeing coupled to said terminal via said cellular phone network; and adownload server coupled to said terminal via said cellular phonenetwork, wherein said menu server includes a first holding means forholding a plurality of data identifying information each correspondingto each of a plurality of content data; a second holding means forholding connection information to said download server which deliversthe content data, the connection information corresponding to the dataidentifying information; an input information receiving means forreceiving input information input into said terminal; an identifyinginformation selecting means for selecting one data identifyinginformation according to the input information received by said inputinformation receiving means; a reservation information creating meansfor creating reservation information including the one data identifyinginformation selected by said identifying information selecting means andconnection information corresponding to the one data identifyinginformation; and a reservation information transmitting means fortransmitting the created reservation information to said terminal, andsaid terminal includes a transmitting/receiving means for transmittingand receiving data via the cellular phone network; a first input meansfor inputting the input information; an input information transmittingmeans for transmitting the input information to said menu server viasaid transmitting/receiving means; a reservation information receivingmeans for receiving the reservation information via saidtransmitting/receiving means; a second input means for inputtingschedule information including a date and time of download incorrespondence to the reservation information received by saidreservation information receiving means; an information storage memoryfor storing the reservation information and the schedule information; anestablishing means for automatically establishing a connection to saiddownload server according to the schedule information and thereservation information; a download means for downloading the contentdata corresponding to the data identifying information from saiddownload server according to the reservation information; and a secondstorage memory for storing downloaded content data, and said downloadserver includes a third holding means for storing at least the contentdata; and a content data transmitting means for transmitting the contentdata corresponding to the data identifying information in response to arequest from said terminal.
 2. A reservation delivery system accordingto claim 1, wherein the reservation information further includes adownloadable term of the content data and said second input meansincludes a forcing means for forcing the date and time of download to beinput within the downloadable term.
 3. A terminal, having atransmitter/receiver, for receiving content data downloaded from adelivery source via a cellular telephone network, comprising: a firststorage memory in said terminal for storing reservation information andschedule information input thereto, wherein said reservation informationincludes at least data identifying information of the content data, andwherein said schedule information includes a date and time of download,in correspondence to the reservation information; an establishing meansfor automatically establishing connection with the delivery source whichdelivers the content data according to the schedule information and thereservation information; a download means for downloading the contentdata corresponding to the data identifying information from the deliverysource via said transmitter/receiver according to the reservationinformation; and a second storage memory for storing downloaded contentdata.
 4. The terminal of claim 3, further comprising a determinationmeans for determining whether there is a situation possible to downloadthe content data or a situation impossible to download the content dataon the basis of a download environment including a radio field intensityat at least said transmitter/receiver when the connection is establishedby said establishing means, and further wherein said download meansconducts the downloading of the content data only in a case that saiddetermination means determines that there exists a situation possible todownload the content data.
 5. The terminal of claim 4, furthercomprising an optimizing means for optimizing the download environmentso as to become a situation possible downloadable condition in a casethat said determination means initially determines that there exists asituation impossible to download the content data.
 6. A terminalaccording to claim 5, wherein the download environment further includesa vacant capacity of said second storage memory.
 7. A terminal accordingto claim 5, further comprising a warning means for warning anot-downloadable situation in a case that the situation impossible toperform the download is determined by said determination means and thedownload environment is not optimized to the situation possible toperform the download by said optimizing means.
 8. A terminal accordingto claim 5, further comprising a renewal means for renewing the date andtime of the download in a case that the situation impossible to performthe download is determined by said determination means and the downloadenvironment is not optimized to the situation possible to perform thedownload by said optimizing means.
 9. A terminal according to claim 5,wherein the reservation information further includes a downloadable termof the content data, a first input means, for inputting reservationinformation into said first storage memory includes a reservationinformation obtaining means for obtaining the reservation informationfrom said delivery source via said transmitter/receiver, and a secondinput means, for inputting schedule information into said first storagememory, includes a forcing means for forcing the date and time ofdownload to be input within the downloadable term.
 10. A terminalaccording to claim 5, further comprising a battery for providing anelectric power source in the terminal itself, wherein the downloadenvironment further includes a remaining amount of power in saidbattery.
 11. A terminal according to claim 5, wherein said secondstorage memory includes an attachable/detachable memory card, saiddownload means downloads license data including encrypted content dataand a decryption key for decrypting the encrypted content data, saidmemory card includes a first card memory for storing the encryptedcontent data, a second card memory for storing the decryption key, asecond decryption means for decrypting cipher performed on the licensedata so as to write to said second card memory, and an encryption meansfor encrypting the license data read from said second card memory.
 12. Aterminal, having a transmitter/receiver, for receiving content datadownloaded from a delivery source via a cellular telephone network andstoring the content data in an attachable/detachable storing device,comprising: an interface for transmitting and receiving at least thecontent data with the storing device, when the storing device isattached; a storage memory in said terminal for storing reservationinformation and schedule information input thereto, wherein saidreservation information includes at least data identifying informationof the content data, and wherein said schedule information includes adate and time of download, in correspondence to the reservationinformation; an establishing means for automatically establishingconnection with the delivery source which delivers the content dataaccording to the schedule information and the reservation information; adownload means for downloading the content data corresponding to thedata identifying information from the delivery source via saidtransmitter/receiver according to the reservation information; and astorage controller for storing downloaded content data in theattachable/detachable storing device via said interface.
 13. Theterminal of claim 12, further comprising a determination means fordetermining whether there is a situation possible to download thecontent data or a situation impossible to download the content data onthe basis of a download environment including a radio field intensity atat least said transmitter/receiver when the connection is established bysaid establishing means, and further wherein said download meansconducts the downloading of the content data only in a case that saiddetermination means determines that there exists a situation possible todownload the content data.
 14. The terminal of claim 13, furthercomprising an optimizing means for optimizing the download environmentso as to become a situation possible downloadable condition in a casethat said determination means initially determines that there exists asituation impossible to download the content data.
 15. A terminalaccording to claim 14, wherein the download environment further includesa vacant capacity of said attachable/detachable storing device.
 16. Aterminal according to claim 14, further comprising a renewal means forrenewing the date and time of the download in a case that the situationimpossible to perform the download is determined by said determinationmeans and the download environment is not optimized to the situationpossible to perform the download by said optimizing means.
 17. Aterminal according to claim 14, further comprising a warning means forwarning a not-downloadable situation in a case that that the situationimpossible to perform the download is determined by said determinationmeans and the download environment is not optimized to the situationpossible to perform the download by said optimizing means.
 18. Aterminal according to claim 14, wherein the reservation informationfurther includes a downloadable term of the content data, a first inputmeans, for inputting reservation information into said storage memory,includes a reservation information obtaining means for obtaining thereservation information from said delivery source via saidtransmitter/receiver, and a second input means, for inputting scheduleinformation into said storage memory, includes a forcing means forforcing the date and time of download to be input within thedownloadable term.
 19. A terminal according to claim 14, furthercomprising a battery for providing an electric power source in theterminal itself, and wherein the download environment further includes aremaining amount of power in said battery.